Catcher in the Rye Questions Essay

1. "I can't see anything religious or pretty, for God's sake, about a bunch of actors carrying crucifixes all over the stage" (137). ironic in his rejection of martyrs.

2. "we looked at the stuff the Indians had made in ancient times" (118). This simplicity makes Holden happy

3. "They gave me Out of Africa" (18). Allusion to a more mysterious and exotic place, but escape is still desired (implied in the title)

4)

"the trouble with girls is, if they like a boy, no matter how big a bastard he is, they'll say he has an inferiority complex" (136).Ironic because Holden does, and desperately wants to be liked by a girl.

5)

Both the rain and snow quotes above exemplify this, as does the rain at the end

6)

Loneliness is destructive, but company isn't always much better.

7)

The book is told from Holden's point-of-view, looking back.

8)

Holden's handkerchief, page 56 (and others). A symbol for genteelly masking the truth.

9)

"nose is bleeding" (56). Foreshadows being beaten by Maurice.

"I can drink all night and not even show it" (90). Foreshadows him showing it in.....